Steel Market in India (2025 - 2030)

The steel market refers to the global or regional marketplace where the production, distribution, and trade of steel occur.

It encompasses all activities related to the supply and demand for steel products and raw materials like iron ore, coal, and scrap metal.

The market includes various stakeholders such as manufacturers, distributors, traders, and end-users from diverse industries.

Market trends:

Several international steel companies are drawn to the growth prospects of the Indian steel sector and are strategizing to enter this market.

For instance, in 2020, GFG Alliance finalized its acquisition of Adhunik Metaliks and its subsidiary, Zion Steel to enter the Indian steel industry.

CarVal Investors, the investment division of the US-based agricultural conglomerate Cargill, has partnered with Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Ltd. to offer approximately INR 20 Bn for acquiring Uttam Value Steels and Uttam Galva Metallics.

Market drivers:

Growing demand for steel in the construction industry has led to a surge of usage of steel.

According to the Union Budget 2024 - 25, the Indian government's push to the infrastructure sector will boost demand for steel. The construction sector is a major driver of steel demand, supported by government initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and affordable housing projects. These efforts are expected to enhance connectivity and reduce logistical costs across the nation.

As India's economy continues to grow and urbanize, sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and real estate are anticipated to further boost steel consumption. Current per capita steel consumption in India remains significantly lower than in developed countries, indicating substantial room for growth

Key deterrents to the growth of the market:

Like most other industries, logistics, and supply chain management remain key areas of challenge for the steel industry. The main raw materials for making steel are iron ore and coking coal. Both these are bulk materials while the finished product, i.e., steel, is also a bulk material. Meaning, they are not regular goods to be transported and need to be handled differently.

A report suggests that 80% of steel transportation takes place through railways in India. Railways lack the modern infrastructure to handle bulk commodities. Road transport for bulk commodities is often expensive and hence economically unfeasible. Many times, road conditions are not suitable for transporting high-end steel products.